Lincoln Electric System employees -- except those who are unionized -- could receive a 2.5 percent wage increase in 2010.

The raises will be phased in, starting with a 1 percent increase Jan. 1.

LES has about 450 employees; about 120 belong to a union.

Not everyone will get an automatic raise, said LES Vice President Shelley Sahling-Zart.

Individual salary adjustments will be determined by vice presidents based on performance and each employee's salary in relation to the midpoint salary range.

Whether the utility will give out the remaining funds later in the year is contingent on net revenues and other factors. Sahling-Zart said it depends on the utility's financial situation and the economy.

To make more money available for raises, the executive staff decided to freeze its salaries in 2010, LES Administrator and CEO Doug Curry told the board at its Friday meeting.

The executive staff comprises Curry; Sahling-Zart; Chief Operating Officer Doug Bantam; Vice President of Energy Delivery Dan Pudenz; Vice President of Consumer Services Todd Hall; Vice President of Power Supply Bruce Merrill; interim Vice President of Financial Services Doug Friendt; and Vice President of Corporate Services Steven Adams.

The Administrative Board's vote was 8 to 1, with W. Don Nelson of Lincoln voting no. Nelson declined to comment.

Reach Algis J. Laukaitis at (402) 473-7243 or alaukaitis@journalstar.com.